[2] Harvey is best known as the first African American USAF jet fighter pilot to fly combat operations in the Korean War.

In 1936, the Harveys moved to Nuangola Station in Northeastern Pennsylvania, where they were the sole African American family in the area.

[1][5] Harvey attempted to enlist with the United States Army Air Corps in January 1943; however, he was turned down because of his race.

[7] On October 16, 1944, Harvey graduated from the Tuskegee Flight Program Army Air as a member of Class 44–4, receiving both his wings and a commission as second lieutenant flying officer.

[1][13] The United States Army Air Corps assigned Harvey to 99th Fighter Squadron in Godman Field, Kentucky.

"[4] In 1949, Harvey and fellow Tuskegee Airman Edward P. Drummond Jr. were transferred from Lockbourne AFB, Ohio to an F-80 squadron at the Misawa Air Base in Japan as a Fighter Pilot and Flight Commander.

In 1955, Harvey served as the Flying Safety Officer of the 27th NORAD Region, Norton AFB in California, receiving the Flight Rating of "Command Pilot".

In 1956, Harvey became the Fighter Training Officer of North Eastern Air Command Headquarters at Pepperrell AFB in Newfoundland.

On June 7, 1965, American meat and cold cut production company Oscar Mayer hired Harvey as a corporate salesman, relocating his family of four girls across the U.S.

Air Force:[4] On March 29, 2007, Harvey — along with every member of the Tuskegee Airmen — was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.